Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has sparked controversy by alleging that Virat Kohli's abrupt retirement from Test cricket stemmed from feeling "unwanted" and disrespected by the BCCI, drawing parallels to Rohit Sharma's recent ouster as ODI captain. In an exclusive interview with CricTracker, Tiwary suggested that the ongoing transitional phase in Indian cricket—marked by Shubman Gill's rapid elevation—could push Sharma toward a similar exit, prioritising self-respect over prolonged service. The comments come amid speculation about the veterans' futures ahead of India's white-ball tour of Australia, where both Kohli and Sharma are set to return after a six-month hiatus since the Champions Trophy triumph.

Kohli, 36, stunned the cricketing world on May 12 by announcing his Test retirement via Instagram, just days after Sharma stepped away from the format, citing personal reasons and a desire to focus on limited-overs cricket. The move, ahead of the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series against England starting June 20, ended Kohli's 14-year Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including 30 centuries at an average of 46.85. Tiwary argued that despite Kohli's preparations for the England tour and his storied legacy—including 40 wins as captain—the prevailing "environment" eroded his sense of value. "When a player starts feeling he's not needed or respected, a player with self-respect will never continue," Tiwary stated, dismissing frustration as the sole driver and emphasising dignity as Kohli's core motivation.

The discourse intensified following the BCCI's October 4 announcement naming Gill, 25, as the new ODI captain for the upcoming three-match series against Australia starting October 19, replacing Sharma despite his recent heroics. Sharma, 38, had led India to victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai on March 9, securing a four-wicket win and his second ICC title as skipper with a match-winning 76 off 83 balls. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar justified the shift by citing logistical challenges in managing three format-specific captains—Gill for Tests and ODIs and Suryakumar Yadav for T20Is—and the need to groom Gill for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Yet, Tiwary decried the timing as "disrespectful", noting Sharma's 75% win rate across 56 ODIs and questioning the urgency for change when results were consistent.

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Tiwary extended his critique to head coach Gautam Gambhir, accusing him of fostering an atmosphere averse to senior input, which he linked to the retirements of Kohli, Sharma, and R. Ashwin. "There are individuals who avoid opinions in team meetings; seniors like these would raise questions," Tiwary remarked, implying Gambhir's influence sidelined experienced voices to consolidate control. While acknowledging the duo's inclusions in the 15-member squad—alongside Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain—Tiwary speculated that the Australia tour could mark their swan song, potentially culminating in full international retirements post-series. Both veterans, absent since the IPL in June, face an uphill battle to secure spots for the 2027 World Cup, where Sharma would be 40. As India navigates this "mercurial transitional phase", with Gill already vice-captain in T20Is and fresh off a 2-2 draw in the Anderson-Tendulkar series, Tiwary's plea underscores the tension between legacy preservation and generational renewal in a high-stakes era.

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